10 Incredible Bags Like Fjallraven Kanken (For Cheap!)

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If you’ve ever wanted to buy bags like Fjallraven Kanken, you’re not alone. As cute as the eye-catching fox logo is, there are many similar bags to Fjallraven Kanken on the market that aren’t as expensive as the $80-$120 bag.

Before looking at Fjallraven look-alike bags, let’s delve a little deeper into Fjallraven’s history to see why these bags even cost the amount that they do, and if it’s justified. The origins of Fjallraven date back to the 1960s, when the brand originally launched as a company providing a single rucksack that promised to distribute weight more evenly across the shoulders and back.

This backpack was the predecessor of the famous Kanken bag, and its appeal lay in the revolutionary frame that the founder himself had made as a 14-year-old in the 50s, which made it much lighter than competing bags. However, it wasn’t until the 70s that Fjallraven released its now iconic Kanken bag, which was originally targeted at children to be used as a school bag.

What separated Fjallraven from its competitors was the lightweight design of the bag and the spacious interior that it offered. However, what really helped propel Fjallraven’s success was the vast amount of color choice that came with the bag – there was something for everyone, and the bag suddenly became a hit among teenagers, hipsters, and adults alike.

Since then, Fjallraven has become something akin to a household name – you just need to head to your local hipster area in town to be reminded of how popular it is. However, it doesn’t come cheap, and it seems like you are paying more for the logo and heritage of the company than its actual functionality.

There are definitely other alternatives to Fjallraven Kanken that you should consider before purchasing the $100 backpack. So, what are the best bags like Fjallraven? Let’s have a look.

The Best Bags Like Fjallraven Kanken

1. Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Youth

Check the latest price & more colors on Nordstrom Here / on Nordstrom Rack

Herschel Supply is a relatively new company that doesn’t have much heritage attached to its name. This is great, because it immediately brings down the cost of the bags, and they retail for much cheaper than Fjallraven.

Herschel bags are created with functionality and fine detail in mind, and the brand strives to create products that will be timeless in design. There are a lot of color options for most of Herschel Supply’s bags – some even include hot dogs, pizza and Hawaiian dancers!

2. Nike Tanjun Backpack

Check the latest price & more colors on Nike HERE / Also available on ASOS

If you’re looking for a high quality bag that’s also affordable, why not consider the Tanjun backpack from Nike? This canvas backpack has a striking resemblance to Fjallraven Kanken as its minimal in design, is composed of lightweight materials and available in a variety of cute colors.

It’s also possible to carry this bag as a handbag instead of a backpack, thanks to the bag having two top handles.

3. Romwe

Check the latest price & more colors HERE

Romwe has a few amazing backpack designs that look very similar to the Kanken bag, but cost just $15! These bags have a bunch of space and different compartments, which makes it easy to keep your things organized.

They’re perfect to use as a school bag, or just to carry your things when you’re out and about.

4. Shein

Check the bag out HERE

Shein is another affordable retailer that offers Fjallraven Kanken look alike bags. Both of these bags retail for under $20 and are big enough to fit a small laptop, but not too big to look out of proportion.

Apart from these bags, Shein is always adding more backpacks to its collection, so make sure to check out their newest designs here, if neither of these colors is what you’re looking for.

5. Hynes Eagle

Check the latest price & more colors on Walmart HERE

Hynes Eagle stands out from the rest of the backbags on this list as they are the only ones catering to travelling business people. Granted, the bags can be worn by anyone, however they are ever so slightly sleeker than average in design. However, the main benefit of this bag is that it’s perfectly designed to fit all your every day essentials: it has a separate pocket for a laptop, a side pocket to hold a water bottle, and a huge interior compartment to hold any documents that you would need to carry.

The exterior of the bag looks almost identical to the Fjallraven Kanken, and it comes in many conservative colors.

6. Madewell

Check the latest price & more colors on Madewell HERE & HERE

Madewell also offers it’s own answer to the Fjallraven Kanken: The Lola bags. There are four different versions of this bag: a crossbody bag, a mini backpack and a regular backpack in small and medium. All of the bags come in cute pastel colors, and some also come in neutrals and bright colors.

7. Consigned

Check the latest price & more colors on ASOS HERE

The Modoker vintage bag is hands down the most useful and modern bag on this list: with an external USB charging port & set-in charging cable, this backpack offers a convenient way for you to charge your electronics when out and about.

Unlike a lot of the bags on this list the Modoker bag is made of nylon, which makes the fabric resistant to scratches and water.

8. Doughnut Macaroon

The Doughtnut Macaroon is famous for its fun, pastel colors and the shape of the bag, which closely resembles Fallraven Kanken, as well as Herschel Supply. If you’re interested in checking out the brand, I recommend doing so on Ebay first – there they have many different color options for a bit cheaper than the brand’s own website!

Check the latest price on Ebay HERE / More colors HERE

9. Jansport

Check the latest price on Jansport HERE / Also available on Tillys

These backpacks were created with camping and hiking in mind – they have an excellent amount of space and clever compartments for anything that you could think of – waterbottles, laptops, you name it!

Jansport offers a couple of alternatives to Fjallraven Kanken: here, I’ve featured the Hatchet and the Superbreak backpacks, but make sure to also have a look at their full collection of best sellers here.

10. Vbiger

Check the latest price on Walmart HERE

These practical mummy bags have a distinct similarity to the Fjallraven Kanken bags, and they double up as diaper bags! Even if you’re not a mom to a toddler, these bags still make an excellent addition to anyone’s wardrbe who is looking for bags that will be able to fit a LOT of stuff inside.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Why not buy a Fjallraven Kanken second-hand on eBay?